Page 5 of The Mountain Man's Christmas Angel
“I could use some, too. So, it’s my turn to ask you, Jewels, are you single?”
I sighed. “With as much time as I spend here, there’s little time for a love life. Maybe one day.”
“I love how passionate you are about the shelter. I can tell the kids really love you. As does everyone.”
“Thanks. I pour my heart and soul into this place. I’m glad to hear it gets recognized.”
I could hear kids’ laughter and voices from the other room, but the kitchen was empty despite the two of us and I swore my heart was loud enough for the entire building to hear. There was no way Wyatt didn’t hear it.
Wyatt pushed his lunch aside and leaned forward. “I like you too, Jewels. A lot.”
My cheeks caught on fire and spread to the rest of my body as fiery tingles spread through my limbs.
“You make me feel a way no one else ever has. You quiet my busy head and soothe my charred soul. I’ve been dying to ask you all week. May I please kiss you?”
Swoon. Times infinity.
I nodded my head without hesitation and my breath hitched in my throat as Wyatt moved in closer. He dipped his head low and when his lips pressed against mine, it was as if the entire world slipped away, leaving only us two in our love bubble. Our mouths moved against the other, our tongues pushing inside, desperate for a taste we both waited too long for.
Seconds passed, and we kissed and kissed. I should’ve stopped. I was at my place of employment- what was I thinking? What if a child ran in?
Much to my dismay, I broke the kiss, tearing our lips apart, like a band aid off sensitive skin. Moans escaped our lips as the cold reality of being apart hit us sideways.
“Come home with me tonight.” Wyatt said breathlessly.
“I…I…”
Before I could answer, Marley ran in. “Ju Ju! Ju Ju! Hungry!” She climbed into my lap, not caring Wyatt was still close to me as she pushed her way between us on the bench.
Mary ran in seconds later. “Marley! I told you not to run away from mama like that! I’m so sorry, Jewels. I hope she didn’t interrupt anything.” Mary sent me a knowing look, and I suppressed a giggle.
“Of course not. Let’s get you some lunch, okay?” I stood and lifted Marley into my arms.
Wyatt cleaned up our lunch and, after throwing away the trash, he walked over to me as I prepped Marley’s lunch from what we fed the toddlers earlier. Marley had been napping when they ate, so I’m not surprised she’s hungry. I always saved a little.
“I’m still waiting for an answer.” Wyatt took over cutting the strawberries so I could move onto the grapes.
“Will food be involved?”
“It can be. In more ways than one.” Wyatt winked, and I flushed. I liked this new playful side of him emerging.
“Then you have a deal. Luckily, I’m off at five tonight.”
“Perfect.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Wyatt
I leftthe shelter at four thirty, hurrying home to shower and throw together some kind of dinner. I dug in my freezer, pulled out some chicken breast, and threw it into the microwave on defrost. Opening my cabinets, I found a jar of sauce, a box of spaghetti, and I grabbed the seasonings and breadcrumbs I’d need. I could easily throw together a chicken parmesan dinner. After checking the fridge, I even had enough to toss together a quick salad.
When the chicken had defrosted, I seasoned and breaded it, frying it in oil until the outsides were crispy. I placed all of my cutlets in a pan, covered them with sauce, and sprinkled on some freshly grated mozzarella cheese. Back in the fridge it went, and I turned the oven on to four hundred degrees to preheat before quickly showering and changing into a clean pair of jeans, t-shirt, and button-down flannel. Yet with the cooking still left to do, I peeled off the flannel and hung it on the back of a chair.
I popped the chicken in the oven and set the water on to boil. I salted the water just as the front doorbell sounded through the cabin.
Excitement sparked through me, a kind I hadn’t felt in so long, and an actual genuine smile stretched across my face, more and more of those appearing since meeting Jewels.
Hurrying to the door, I opened it to find Jewels standing there like more gorgeous than ever.
